A "blind tiger," historically known as a speakeasy or blind pig, refers to an establishment that illegally sells alcoholic beverages.
The term originates from the time of Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933) when the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned.
Operators of blind tigers would charge patrons to see an attraction, such as a "blind tiger" or another spectacle, and then serve complimentary alcoholic drinks, circumventing laws against selling alcohol directly.
Despite Prohibition's repeal, the term can still be used to describe any illicit drinking establishment.
Blind tigers became popular as a way for people to continue enjoying alcoholic beverages while evading law enforcement. These establishments were known for their secretive nature, often requiring passwords for entry and operating in hidden locations.
The existence of blind tigers underscored the widespread opposition to Prohibition and the lengths to which people would go to obtain and consume alcohol. Today, the concept of a speakeasy has been romanticized and adopted by some legal bars to create an atmosphere of exclusivity and nostalgia.
While the original concept of a blind tiger is largely historical, the idea of operating a business in violation of licensing and regulatory laws remains relevant. Modern-day equivalents might involve unlicensed establishments selling alcohol or other regulated goods and services, facing similar legal risks and penalties as their Prohibition-era counterparts.
A common misconception about blind tigers is that they were primarily underground or basement establishments hidden from public view. While many operated in secret locations, the term also applied to any illicit operation selling alcohol, regardless of its physical setup.
Furthermore, some believe blind tigers were inherently dangerous or tied to organized crime; though this was sometimes the case, many were simply informal gatherings in private homes or businesses looking to supplement their income.
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